The Lonely Poet and Other Stories

“Otto Visconti creates a theatre of the absurd in which he is the main character and the anti-hero, the victor and the victim, the celebrity and an irrelevant, obscure and insecure poet misplaced in an isolated and cold world created by his insecurities, obsessions and illusions, governed by the strange inner forces throwing him mercilessly into absurd situations and even more bizarre conclusions and outcomes. He is the main protagonist and the narrator of his misfortunes in the first part of the collection. The second part of the collection offers stories collected from Sydney to New York featuring odd characters in their constant search for meaning, for satisfaction, fulfillment or adventure. They chose unusual avenues in their pursuit of personal happiness; the avenues that often lead them astray.”

Cubrilo does it again with a collection of stories that is both reminiscent of and yet different from her other work. It is a sense of contradiction that makes Otto Vosconti the perfect first-person narrator. He is a living paradox. He is both thoughtful and thoughtless, caring and uncaring, outspoken and reticent, and the list goes on. Cabrilo challenges the reader to read between the lines and utilize empathy in understanding Otto, which leads to an engaging and ultimately very satisfying collection of stories. In discovering Otto, we discover parts of ourselves. The second half of the book is equally compelling with individual short stories that are quirky, fun, and also challenging. For those who like thought-provoking, compelling fiction, Cubrilo’s “The Lonely Poet and Other Stories” is the book for you! Highly recommended!

William M

These bitter-sweet farces grabbed my attention at once as they are hilariously funny and entertaining. The first part of the collection is narrated by a misfit, a Poet, finely portrayed to be at the same time a likable and irritable character. He is likable because he is good-natured, a genuinely honest human, so we could easily find the fragments of our own deeply hidden thoughts in the stream of his consciousness, in his insecurities and frustrations. But he is irritating because we hesitate to sympathise too deeply as we might discover seeds of our own ‘madness’. Otto Visconti, in his insecurities, honesty, bluntness and naivety resembles Prince Myshkin when he was faced with ‘the real’ world after leaving the sanatorium. We all need to express what we think and feel but are often prevented by socially accepted behaviour and rules, so I see Otto Visconti as one of Beckett’s characters of the theatre of the absurd or a fine fellow from Pirandello’s tales. The second part of the Collection features around ten stories, which are absolutely quirky, funny and surreal, and whilst reading them I couldn’t put the book down. Branka keeps her reader in constant anticipation, as she is the master of creating a believable and profound character. All of her characters have a distinct personality and behave in a particular way until the reader truly and sincerely feels for them. This is so evident in this collection. Don’t miss this excellent collection, the fun and quirkiness it offers is something that needs to be read. Simply marvellous tales! Highly recommended.

Irina Dimitric

Branka’s characters are complex individuals. But the most troublesome one for me was Otto! I laid down this wonderful book for many weeks, until I resumed speaking terms with Otto! The author’s light touch and infinite patience in sculpting her character pleaded on his behalf. She let him speak and he grew out of his demons. Branka’s barely concealed affection for her character shone through her skillful craftsmanship. She “listens” to all of them and allows them to vent their infinite pettiness and epic grandeur alike. And we’re offered both! The book exceeded my expectations in the sheer range of types that go to make up mankind. They are capable of “absolute empathy” as well as loathing, anger and selfishness.They are capable of extremes of both judgement: ” the woman who used to be my mother”, and in feat: …sucking blood and energy (until they bring on)…physical exhaustion”. They are the sort who walk out into the streets and “cause traffic jams”! They can also be meek and even self-critical. Cynical, too, at times. They can be funny. And they’re always larger-than-life. All of them ultimately embody and reveal to us a part of ourselves. Yet for all their epic faults, as if by some magical intervention or the author’s endless mercy, no epic punishment is ever meted out to them. Life takes care of that..Aren’t they, like us, victims of some Universal sport; toyed with by some swindle of Fate? And could that reference to Thomas Hardy in “Who Whispers Wisdom to Beatrix C?”, be more than just a passing remark? When everything is said and done, we’re left with the inevitable open question about our own existence, to ponder over. And – no one to blame, indeed! “Milan Cubrilo’s smile” comes perhaps as a benign, albeit heart-rending reminder of that. But as always in Branka’s writing, hope lies in waiting; indestructible, it too, larger-than-life! I’m indeed glad I persevered with Otto, to begin with! This is a serious work; it needs insight and makes you reflect on things for weeks. Beyond the book, is the book of Life – and that takes up some time!